For South Africa, in particular, and the West Indies, the third cricket Test, beginning on Thursday, is crucial.
A win in the third Test would give the visitors their fourth straight series victory over the West Indies, since South Africa lead the four-Test series 1-0, following their comfortable eight-wicket triumph in the second Test at Port of Spain.
The first Test at Georgetown ended in a draw, and the fourth and final Test, at St John’s, begins on April 29.
Ideally, the West Indies would also desire a win, but would settle for a draw to avoid another setback on a ground that was once their fortress.
But the South Africans have been fortified with the return of veteran fast-bowling all-rounder Shaun Pollock, who was sidelined for the first two Tests with an ankle injury that delayed his journey to the Caribbean.
South Africa could easily argue that they hardly missed Pollock during the first two Tests, particularly following Makhaya Ntini’s dismantling of the West Indies’ batting in the second Test.
If the hosts found run-scoring hard in the first two Tests, Pollock’s presence will make the task that much more difficult.
Pollock has admitted he may need a little time for the rust to wear away, and has left the decision strictly up to the team’s management to decide if he would be an asset or a liability.
”My ankle feels better with every ball I bowl, but it’s not my decision,” Pollock told reporters on Tuesday. ”There isn’t much I can accomplish in the two days before the Test, except for the selectors to be able to see me bowl and that might ease the decision they have to make.
”I believe I can last an entire match, so I’m hoping the guys put their confidence in me.”
Pollock is also aware of the importance of the match. The South Africans have not won a road tour since their 2-0 win over Bangladesh two years ago.
”It is important that we win the series, and so we do not want to put too much pressure on ourselves going into the last Test,” he said.
The visitors’ other major concern is Jacques Rudolph. The left-hander threw his back out bowling in the nets last Friday and a cloud hangs over his participation.
At the same time, his usually reliable batting has been poor in the two Tests, and a string of insignificant scores puts his place in doubt.
Should Rudolph fail to overcome his injury, or the tour selectors agree that his form is limited, Boeta Dippenaar seems the obvious replacement, following his 184 in the two-day practice match against the University of the West Indies’ Vice-Chancellor’s XI last weekend.
For the West Indies, the selection questions seem straightforward.
Left-hand slow-bowling all-rounder Ryan Hinds and fast-bowler Fidel Edwards should replace the out-of-favour Donovon Pagon and the injured Pedro Collins respectively.
Edwards is confident that the home team can rebound from their defeat and level the series.
”I have come to take wickets because that’s my job,” he said. ”Hopefully, we can pull off a win on Barbados. For me, it will be difficult playing in front of my home crowd, but I think it will motivate me.”
There are bigger issues for coach Bennett King and new captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul to consider, though.
First, it’s the mental approach. They will again have to convince the side that the series is still alive and there is plenty for which to play.
Secondly, there is the no-ball problem that has plagued the bowlers. In four innings, West Indies have conceded 68 no-balls, with a few of them costing them wickets that could have enhanced either their confidence or their position in the two Tests.
And, finally, it’s the dreadful second-innings performances that have bedevilled them in recent Tests. King believes it’s a fitness issue, but they can ill afford to get it wrong, like they did at Port of Spain.
The two teams have met twice at the Kensington Oval. West Indies won the inaugural Test 13 years ago, but had to rely on some unsportsmanlike tactics to avoid defeat five years ago.
The hosts have lost their past three Tests at the ground against New Zealand, Australia and England. — Sapa-AFP
Teams
West Indies (from): Shivnarine Chanderpaul (captain), Courtney Browne (vice-captain), Dwayne Bravo, Chris Gayle, Ryan Hinds, Wavell Hinds, Brian Lara, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Daren Powell, Reon King, Fidel Edwards, Dwight Washington.
South Africa (from): Graeme Smith (captain), Nicky Boje (vice-captain), Mark Boucher, Abraham de Villiers, Boeta Dippenaar, Herschelle Gibbs, Andrew Hall, Jacques Kallis, Charl Langeveldt, Andre Nel, Makhaya Ntini, Shaun Pollock, Ashwell Prince, Jacques Rudolph, Monde Zondeki.